Two men have been arrested following reports that an 87-year-old man had been attacked and kidnapped in Oldham.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 9pm last Sunday evening (15 September), an 87-year-old man – who has not been publicly named – was reportedly walking home in the Lee Street area of Oldham when he was dragged into a black car and blindfolded, while demands were made for his money and personal items.
The victim was reportedly then attacked and pushed out of the car in the Rishworth area of West Yorkshire.
The man eventually found aid by knocking on a door at around 10:40pm that evening.
Lee Street in Oldham, where the victim was reportedly attacked and kidnapped / Credit: Google Maps
Last Thursday (19 September), police first arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of kidnap in connection with the incident, but he has since been released on police bail pending further investigations.
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A second man, aged 24, was then arrested yesterday morning (22 September) at an address in Royton on suspicion of kidnap, and he remains in custody for questioning at this time.
Police are continuing to appeal to the Greater Manchester public for information and witnesses of this “shocking incident” as their investigations progress, with Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, assuring that: “Our investigation team is making good progress in gathering evidence to establish the full circumstances.”
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#ARREST | A man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into reports an 87-year-old man was bundled into a car and thrown out in West Yorkshire.
The man, aged 39, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap.
DI Hulston continued: “Whilst incidents of this nature can cause alarm in the community, we do believe it was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public. Specialist officers are continuing to support the victim and detectives are working around the clock determined to bring offenders to justice.
“We are continuing to appeal to the public for information, dashcam, or doorbell footage that could help us solve this crime and help hold all those responsible accountable.”
Information can be provided through GMP’s dedicated Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) here, or by contacting the investigation team on 0161 856 3635 quoting log number 3165/150924.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Award-winning Manchester restaurant Another Hand announces closure with ‘immediate effect’
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular intimate restaurants has sadly announced that it’ll be closing its doors with ‘immediate effect’.
Another Hand – which can be found tucked away up on Deansgate Mews – opened back in 2022 to acclaim from critics and customers, as well as scooping up several awards along the way like Best Newcomer at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, and places in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide along the way.
Not only that, but the 24-seater intimate casual dining restaurant was also named as one of the best restaurants in Manchester merely three weeks ago by respected publication, Time Out.
Launched by the team behind 3 Hands Deli – which operated from a site two units down – Another Hand was known and loved for focusing on sharing plates made with produce from local ethical growers.
And it seemed to be going from strength to strength, but sadly, the restaurant took to social media yesterday to announce its decision to close ‘with immediate effect’.
Another Hand said in its statement on Instagram: “With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that after five years Another Hand will be closing its doors with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, as most of us know, the current economic climate for the hospitality sector is facing steep challenges, sadly a familiar story. And after five years of operating within this increasingly challenging environment, we feel it’s time for us to step away.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but it feels like the right time to bring this chapter to an end.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. From the people who have worked alongside us, to the producers and suppliers who have supported us; and most importantly, everyone who has come through the door and eaten with us…. thank you.
How will the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales work?
Emily Sergeant
All licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone – helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you’re buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you’ve left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that ‘it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]’ and that physical ID will ‘still remain a valid way’ for customers to prove their age.
“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out,” she concluded.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd September 2024 
